Minutes of a meeting of the directors of SIRRA, September 15, 2018

Present: David Osborne, Ron Hall, Michel Chiasson, Mairead Boland, Helen Wale, Jeanne Crerar.
Guest: Colin Curwen
1. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 by the chair, David. David agreed to take and circulate
these minutes. He welcomed the directors, especially Helen and Mairead, new directors, to their first
meeting, and declared a quorum present. Receipt of the resignation in writing by email of Ron Wilson
was acknowledged with regret.
2. The agenda was approved as circulated.
3. The minutes of June 3, 2018 were approved as circulated.
Email approvals by the directors since June 3, 2018 of donations of $250.00 to the Tour des Isles for
general expenses, and up to $500.00 for appraisal expenses to the Wetlands Project at East Point were
ratified.
4. Ron Hall delivered his treasurer's report, attached. Helen asked if the Board prepared and operated
upon an annual budget. Ron reported not. There was discussion of whether this would be useful.
Tabled to next meeting after the Board establishes some priorities. Helen asked if SIRRA applies for
government or other grants. Ron stated not. MOTION: Moved by Ron, seconded by Michel, that the
report be accepted. Carried.
5. The following were elected as officers for the coming year until the next AGM by acclamation:
President: Michel Chiasson
Vice-President: Mairead Boland
Treasurer: Ron Hall
Secretary: David Osborne
6. The Board ratified a donation to the Saturna Island FireSmart Committee of up to $500.00 for home
assessments of the properties of SIRRA members, approved by email since June 3, 2018.
7. There was general discussion of priorities for the coming year. Michel initiated a discussion of
membership and payment of dues, the primary source of funding for the organization. The Board
decided that membership and communications would be the initial priority and struck a committee to
consider it and report to the Board next meeting. The committee consists of Mairead (coordinator),
Michel, Helen, Colin (volunteer) with support from Ron, David and Jeanne. Among other issues, they
will consider, the web site, web based communications, a brochure, and incentives to membership.
Mairead asked about purposes of SIRRA. The constitution of the Society was reviewed with respect to
purposes. It can be found on the web site of SIRRA. The principal purpose can be summarized as
communication between our members and various governments respecting taxes, government policies,
etc.
8. David briefly updated the Board on current projects. FireSmart is proceeding well. Health
Sustainability is preparing for the Referendum October 20th. We have seen improvement at SIPRC
with new Commission members and chair. The Societies Act transition is proceeding for November
28, 2018.
9. Other Business: The letter about 'speculation tax' will not now be sent.
David will prepare and circulate a process for applications to SIRRA for grants and donations.
David will write an 'update' article for the Scribbler for October and circulate.
10. The next meeting will be Monday, November 12, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Rec. Centre.
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM.